With the recent celebration of being ten years in business, there is a sense of nostalgia throughout the office. What started as an idea by Roger, and a small garage full of camera gear, turned into an incredibly successful business that has been able to help and service millions of photographers in the industry. But the business at LensRentals.com hasn’t been the only thing that has changed considerably over the years, the world of photography and videography has as well. So when coming up with an idea on how to highlight the last ten years of camera and optic innovations, we decided to build a list of our favorite products that have been announced in the last ten years.
Not only are we staffed by experts in the field of photography and video gear, we also staff a considerable amount of photographers and videographers – each with their own unique styles and preferences. What we’ve found, is that there is no right piece of gear for everyone, and we all have varying tastes and expectations when it comes to gear. So while building a comprehensive ‘Top Ten’ list, we ran into a variety of opinions. After some long discussions, here are our collective top ten products in photography and videography over the last ten years, in no particular order.
Top Ten Gear of the Last Ten Years (In No Particular Order)
The anti-cell phone camera. Yes, it has some shortcomings compared to a $45,000 Phase or Hasselblad, but it’s 15% of the price and has a decent selection of relatively reasonably priced lenses. Proportionately, that’s like being able to buy a nice full-frame SLR for $450. Of course, not everyone wants or can afford medium format, but it makes it an option for a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t have that option. A year from now I might be putting the Hasselblad X1D-50c in place of it, but not until I see if Hasselblad has begun to solve their lens problems.
Roger’s Take
If the Pentax 645Z should be remembered for anything, it’s how it made Medium Format practical in a digital era. Sure, Phase One and Hasselblad still exist, and are more common in the industry than ever, but Pentax was really able to break the ground and show people what medium format systems were capable of, without breaking the bank (in comparison to Hasselblad’s and Phase One Systems). It misses some key features, like a modular body, and the lens lineup is pretty lackluster by comparison, but the system give’s people an opportunity to see what that Sony 50MP 44MMx33MM CMOS sensor is truly all about.
Usually the word “new” when associated with Leica cameras indicates a slightly different surface finish or that one of the already few features has been removed. Leica has, after all, been tweaking the rangefinder camera for over a century now. The introduction of the Leica SL (Type 601), in 2015 was perhaps a necessary change from the company’s norm, one that might enable Leica to be more competitive and utilize now standard technologies in ways that a rangefinder can not. The Leica SL is capable of using any Leica lens (via adapter) including of course the M-mount lenses, as well as R and S lenses. So far the native lenses have proven to have comparable autofocus and stabilization. But the Leica SL (Type 601) carries with it Leica’s propensity for refinement, and it is the intuitive layout that makes this camera so enjoyable. Versatility? Absolutely. Features? As should be expected, but chosen carefully.
Aaron’s Take
The Leica SL Type 601 is currently my favorite camera available. It looks big and bulky and sort of ugly, but once it’s in the hands, it feels just right. Image quality is excellent, with great dynamic range and noise performance. The EVF is the best one I’ve ever used on any mirrorless camera. I can focus the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux wide open in a dark bar and nail the focus 70% of the time. Oh, and the ability to use all M-mount lenses on it? Yes, please.
Before the Canon 11-24mm f/4L came out, Canon had nothing that could compete with the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8. They made this lens even wider with image quality that is just as impressive all the way to 11mm. Yes, it’s big and front heavy, but when you need to get really wide without the fisheye distortion, this lens is the one to grab.
Sarah’s Take
The Canon 11-24mm f/4L was a game-changing lens when it was first released, and so far nobody else has really competed. There are lenses nearly as wide, but nothing nearly as wide that is so breathtakingly sharp. It’s not an everyday lens, of course, but it provides a completely different look and perspective for those who take the time to master it. It’s a lens I think about whenever a bunch of us are photographing the same thing because the photos I take with it make that thing look different than the photos everyone else took.
In the Spring of 2013, Freefly Systems shook the filmmaking world with the introduction of their M?VI M10 stabilizer. Since that time, the design has inspired innumerable imitators, none of which live up to the nimble performance of their original. However, it is our opinion, that Freefly Systems ultimately perfected the design with their M?VI M5 that followed in 2014. The Movi M5 reduced the overall size and weight of the gimbal, without sacrificing performance. On the contrary, many happy users have found the Movi M5 much more capable than its larger siblings (M10/M15). If a camera can be hacked onto it, the M5 will fly it better than any other gimbal on the market.
Kris’ Take
I’ve only been working at Lensrentals for two years, so I wasn’t around for video milestones like our first audio recorder or cinema camera, but I’d been here about three months when we started carrying the Movi M5, and it felt like a pretty big step. At the time, the Movi was the only handheld motorized gimbal, and it changed the way a lot of people shoot video. After a couple years and countless imitations, it’s still probably the best gimbal on the market, and it’s still really fun to use.
Ryan’s Take
I remember when the Movi M10 was announced, and the little promotional video put together by Vincent Laforet was released. Everyone on my social media collectively lost their minds as the possibilities this new stabilizer could bring. Since it’s announcement, steady cam operations have truly gone to the next level and pieces like the Movi M5 make it possible, allowing for some silky smooth camera operation in situations never really seen before.
The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is not your grandfather’s DO lens. Every other diffraction optics lens ever made has been an optical compromise of some degree that we accepted because the lens was so much smaller and lighter than it would be without diffraction optics. This one is as sharp and contrasty as a regular refractive lens, but still significantly smaller and lighter. It’s lighter, about the same price, and arguably of better image quality than a Canon 300mm f/2.8 with a teleconverter. This has never been done before, and rumor has it may never be done again. If that’s the case this will be a collector’s item, similar to the old Canon 200mm f/1.8.
Roger’s Take
The Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II is a lens you have to see to truly appreciate. It’s a 400mm lens I can actually hold. And unlike the previous version, this lens has great contrast and clarity. This is the perfect lens for wildlife or sports shooters who are traveling or are getting up there in age (like Roger).
After their previous entry to the 5D line of professional DSLRs started a digital cinematography coup, Canon had customer’s expectations quite high for a follow-up. Pre-release rumors swirled with video-centric features such as Raw codecs, high frame-rate acquisition in HD, and continuous auto-focus. In early 2012 Canon delivered the 5D Mark III, a camera with none of those features. Needless to say, early buzz was polarized, to say the least; nevertheless, the camera proved to be a solid performer, quickly overtaking the 5D Mark II. Its success highlights one the best qualities of Canon cameras, a devotion to prioritizing reliability over all else in their design.
Kris’ Take
I’m not a super-experienced or highly-skilled still photographer, especially compared to many of my co-workers. I dabble, though, and when I do, I usually rent a 5D Mark III. Not because it’s objectively the best camera we carry, or the most exciting, but because I’ve shot with it enough that I can finally operate it without fumbling. There’s something to be said for sticking with a camera until you know it by heart. Plus it’s like always in stock – purely because of the number of units we carry.
Ryan’s Take
I continue to use the Canon 5d Mark III more than any other. When it was new, it completely upgraded my DSLR shooting experience with amazing low light performance paired with Canon L series glass. Not to mention a beautiful rear display. I still use it because the image quality is great for what I need while keeping the file sizes manageable. This camera has been the long time favorite of our wedding and portrait customers.
The Sigma 24-35 f/2 is unique for a modern zoom. The short focal range is an interesting compromise to achieve the open aperture of f/2, where most “fast” zooms only achieve f/2.8. It covers the three classic wide angles (24, 28, and 35) leaving those situations requiring longer focal lengths, often portraiture, to faster primes that will offer a narrower depth of field. The image quality at the extremes of the focal range is also very consistent, as there is less to balance out optically. I think of it not so much as a short zoom but an extended prime.
Aaron’s Take
This glass can be half-empty, or half-full. It’s a pretty limited range for a zoom, roughly 1.5X. It’s not as wide an aperture as a fast prime. But it is the first full-frame zoom with a f/2.0 aperture and you have to be impressed when a company does something that’s never been done before. You have to be more impressed when they make it optically excellent. I was certainly ready to say ‘yes, but it’s a full stop wider so we can’t expect it to be quite as good’. But it’s every bit as good as any other best-quality zoom. And far less expensive than any other best-quality zoom.
The Profoto B1 Strobe has changed my life as a photographer more so than any other piece of gear made. I’ve always been a Strobist at heart, and prior to the Profoto B1 system, I was often carrying Alien Bee systems on location, along with their massive Vagabond II battery system. Now, I had all that power at my fingertips, in a small and lightweight package. But Profoto also broke ground on being among the first strobes with TTL and High-Speed sync, giving them an edge over just about every other strobe manufacturer ever.
Zach’s Take
While the Profoto B1 wasn’t the first battery powered strobe we ever carried, it marked a real turning point in quality, reliability, and performance over the competition. TTL and high-speed sync in a 500Ws battery powered strobe compatible with the whole range of Profoto modifiers? Seriously, what’s not to love? And I loved this light a lot, right up until its little brother, the Profoto B2 came along. For my needs, the Profoto B2 is a better option, but most of our clients need the extra power the Profoto B1 can deliver.
The Sony A7R II is my second favorite camera available, and the one I shoot with the most. The small size makes it easy to travel with, especially when I go camping and hiking or when I go urban exploring. The high resolution combined with the great low light capabilities of the backside illuminated sensor are a dream combination for all my late night shooting for my personal work. And the in-body stabilization is a godsend.
Joey’s Take
It’s pretty simple: 42 megapixels, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 4K video, and hybrid autofocus at a reasonable price. Add to that faster burst shooting, reduced shutter vibrations, and electronic first curtain and you have a game-changing camera. It’s a big improvement over the Sony A7R, which was a big improvement over the Sony A7. I love the Sony A7r II camera for what it is, and also for the rate of improvement, which makes me a little giddy thinking about what the A7R III might be.
In 2008 the cheapest large sensor digital cinema cameras were tens of thousands of dollars and weighed 20+ pounds. Canon’s decision to add 1080/24p video recording to one of their still photography cameras changed the world. The 5D mark II upended an industry, launched careers, changed attitudes, and altered the look of cinematography for the next decade, all on its own. It is one of the most important cameras in history.
Kris’ Take
The Canon 5d Mark II was the first full frame digital camera I ever owned. I bought it shortly after it’s announcement in 2008, and it was really a groundbreaking piece of equipment for its time. Being the first Canon DSLR with video capabilities, the Canon 5d Mark II can really be credited for the DSLR videography boom that took place after it’s announcement. Suddenly, shows like House, and movies like Black Swan and Captain America were able to harness the power of the Canon 5d Mark II, bringing professional level video camera capabilities in a small, and affordable package. While it’s a bit old now, it’s impressive to know that a camera nearly ten years old can hold up to the standards of this ever-developing industry.
Zach’s Take
What do you think of our list, was there any big surprises as to what we’ve decided on? Over the last ten years, the photography and videography industries have changed faster than ever before, so some pieces of gear had to be left out on our list. If you have anything that you’d like to add, please do so in the comments below, and we look forward to another ten years of being your source for gear rentals and expert advice!
I think there is plenty of love for it. When we came up with putting this list together, so many products didn’t make the list; not because they were bad products, but other products had a slightly bigger impact than they did.
I think the majority of the staff agrees, that Sony is the most improved over the last few years. 4 years ago or so, Sony shooters (on the photo level at least) were mocked for the gear they used. Now it’s agreed that they make some of the best camera systems available with the a7rII and a7sII.
But if we listed all of the pieces of gear that we loved, you’d have died of old age before you got through the entire blog post. 🙂
I was in charge of collecting the top ten lists from all the staff, and finding the top ten items most commonly listed to create the list you see here. That process in itself was cumbersome, since everyone on staff shoots entirely different things from each other, while keeping the list diverse and interesting. Obviously, me, and many staff members didn’t list something like the Canon 400MM DO lens, cause as a portrait photographer, I have no need or desire to shoot with something like that. When we had speciality pieces like that, it really came down to people pleading their cases for gear. The optic nerds were responsible for getting that lens on the list. Whereas the strobist nerds like myself really had to make a plea for the Profoto B1.
Had no one pleaded their cases, this would have been a list of generic camera bodies and 24-70s/70-200s.
But you’ve swayed me. I’m going to look into taking a rental out on the RX100 sometime in the next couple weeks to see for myself.
James J Stewart ·
While you’re at it, take out an RX-10ii or RX10iii. I rented the latter for a church picnic, and I was truly impressed with what it accomplished.
I think there is plenty of love for it. When we came up with putting this list together, so many products didn't make the list; not because they were bad products, but other products had a slightly bigger impact than they did.
I think the majority of the staff agrees, that Sony is the most improved over the last few years. 4 years ago or so, Sony shooters (on the photo level at least) were mocked for the gear they used. Now it's agreed that they make some of the best camera systems available with the a7rII and a7sII.
But if we listed all of the pieces of gear that we loved, you'd have died of old age before you got through the entire blog post. :-)
Sid ·
I agree, whenever someone comes up with a list like this there's always someone moaning about what was left out. This time it was me :)
Having used the 2 Canon cameras and the a7R II on this list, however, I _personally_ would put (any of the) the RX100 cameras ahead of all of them.
FWIW, my ordering of cameras I've used in the last 10 years considering when they were released would be:
I was in charge of collecting the top ten lists from all the staff, and finding the top ten items most commonly listed to create the list you see here. That process in itself was cumbersome, since everyone on staff shoots entirely different things from each other, while keeping the list diverse and interesting. Obviously, me, and many staff members didn't list something like the Canon 400MM DO lens, cause as a portrait photographer, I have no need or desire to shoot with something like that. When we had speciality pieces like that, it really came down to people pleading their cases for gear. The optic nerds were responsible for getting that lens on the list. Whereas the strobist nerds like myself really had to make a plea for the Profoto B1.
Had no one pleaded their cases, this would have been a list of generic camera bodies and 24-70s/70-200s.
But you've swayed me. I'm going to look into taking a rental out on the RX100 sometime in the next couple weeks to see for myself.
James J Stewart ·
While you're at it, take out an RX-10ii or RX10iii. I rented the latter for a church picnic, and I was truly impressed with what it accomplished.
Roger Cicala ·
James, I nominated those and they were considered. I have one myself.
Roger
Unrest ·
I like your site and the articles but I gotta be honest and say that's a lame list, Roger.
Roger Cicala ·
Aren't all lists kinda lame? I don't disagree with you. It looks like what it is: a list made by a committee trying to cover too much territory.
Roger
Sid ·
Sounds good! Have fun :)
Szu-Ping Lee ·
One vote for RX100, it is really a little camera that can. I used to have to log Sony A99 or A7s when backpacking or climbing, now it is just the little RX100M4 in a small waist pocket.
However, this list is sound. There are too many great photographic gear out there (Nikon 14-24, D810…), but this is a good list. Thanks to Lensrentals.com, we have the opportunity to try different gear. Keep up the good work!
Szu-Ping Lee ·
One vote for RX100, it is really a little camera that can. I used to have to log Sony A99 or A7s when backpacking or climbing, now it is just the little RX100M4 in a small waist pocket.
However, this list is sound. There are too many great photographic gear out there (Nikon 14-24, D810...), but this is a good list. Thanks to Lensrentals.com, we have the opportunity to try different gear. Keep up the good work!
Carl Eberhart ·
I posted a long rant about this on FB.
darngooddesign ·
Well thank god for that.
Carl Eberhart ·
Go read it and thank me instead.
Halfrack ·
More love for my favorite camera, the 645z. And while the legacy lineup of lenses has it’s issue, the fact I get TTL and HSS with the Pentax speedlight, I can shoot wide open in daylight with a number of f2.8 lenses.
Anybody know why the Pentax 25mm lens for the 645D/Z cameras was discontinued? I asked a Pentax rep at Photocon LA and he said: “I don’t have an answer.”
Halfrack ·
More love for my favorite camera, the 645z. And while the legacy lineup of lenses has it's issue, the fact I get TTL and HSS with the Pentax speedlight, I can shoot wide open in daylight with a number of f2.8 lenses.
Gert_W ·
Gert_W
Ryan Hill ·
We stuck to stuff we actually rent, but you’re absolutely right about smartphones. They’ve probably changed photography more than any single product in the last century. A lot of photographers see it as a negative, and there are downsides to be sure. I’m optimistic, though. The more people taking and sharing photographs, the better.
Johannes Dahlström ·
I hope you don’t think Apple invented the camera phone…
“By 2003, more camera phones were sold worldwide than stand-alone digital cameras. In 2005, Nokia became the world’s most sold digital camera brand. In 2006, half of the world’s mobile phones had a built-in camera. [–] In 2008, Nokia sold more camera phones than Kodak sold film based simple cameras, thus becoming the biggest manufacturer of any kind of camera.” –Wikipedia
Gert_W ·
I had a mobile phone with camera really early, but i never used it the way I do it with my smartphone. I shot a picture from time to time an sent it as MMS, which was slow.
Now I have a lot of ways to send my photos – WhatsApp, Instagram etc.
Not the existence of the camera in a phone has changed, but the ways people use it!
Gert_W ·
I think, you left out the most revolutionary photographic device - the smartphone, introduced just 9 years ago!
Ryan Hill ·
We stuck to stuff we actually rent, but you're absolutely right about smartphones. They've probably changed photography more than any single product in the last century. A lot of photographers see it as a negative, and there are downsides to be sure. I'm optimistic, though. The more people taking and sharing photographs, the better.
Johannes Dahlström ·
I hope you don't think Apple invented the smartphone or the camera phone...
"By 2003, more camera phones were sold worldwide than stand-alone digital cameras. In 2005, Nokia became the world's most sold digital camera brand. In 2006, half of the world's mobile phones had a built-in camera. [--] In 2008, Nokia sold more camera phones than Kodak sold film based simple cameras, thus becoming the biggest manufacturer of any kind of camera." --Wikipedia
Globally, outside the US, the iPhone has never been *that* popular.
Gert_W ·
I had a mobile phone with camera really early, but i never used it the way I do it with my smartphone. I shot a picture from time to time an sent it as MMS, which was slow. Now I have a lot of ways to send my photos - WhatsApp, Instagram etc. Not the existence of the camera in a phone has changed, but the ways people use it!
Christopher J. May ·
I kind of think the D800 should have made the list. Who would have thought that one could pack that many pixels onto a sensor and still get that much dynamic range and high ISO quality in addition to breathtaking resolution? Additionally, the “e” model brought a bit more resolution for those willing to deal with occasional moiré. I’d guess that the D800 and D800e were the cameras that finally converted a lot of medium and large format film photographers to at least add a digital camera to their arsenals. When I think back to the seminal cameras of th past 10 years, they’re definitely on the list.
Unrest ·
Completely agree with you here.
Bob Thane ·
The Nikon D500 and 200-500 are also arguably game changers, or the Tamron 150-600 if you want to see what started the whole affordable wildlife bandwagon.
T N Args ·
It says ‘Favorite’, not best, not seminal, so you can’t argue what is in or out.
Christopher J. May ·
The last paragraph of the article would seem to indicate that I can.
That sensor is incredibly no doubt, but I think we agreed that it works best when packaged into the Sony a7r, and the a7rII was a pretty big improvement in the alpha series from Sony, which is why it made the list.
Christopher J. May ·
Fair enough. I tend to think that the D800/e did a better job than the a7r of implementing what that sensor could do because of Sony’s compression and 11 bit processing but your argument for the second version of the a7r makes those points moot.
The a7r Mk II is indeed a step up in many ways. I’m still not ready to give up on DSLR’s yet because of issues like AF performance and battery life, but I at least understand the mirrorless appeal and the a7r Mk II definitely exemplifies a lot of the good points of mirrorless.
If you haven’t had the opportunity, I recommend at least checking out the a7rII. The digital viewfinder sort of blows my mind and makes me feel like I’m cheating. The sensor is pretty spectacular, and I think we can all agree that in-body IS actually makes some sense.
Christopher J. May ·
Fair enough. I tend to think that the D800/e did a better job than the a7r of implementing what that sensor could do because of Sony's compression and 11 bit processing but your argument for the second version of the a7r makes those points moot.
The a7r Mk II is indeed a step up in many ways. I'm still not ready to give up on DSLR's yet because of issues like AF performance and battery life, but I at least understand the mirrorless appeal and the a7r Mk II definitely exemplifies a lot of the good points of mirrorless.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
If you haven't had the opportunity, I recommend at least checking out the a7rII. The digital viewfinder sort of blows my mind and makes me feel like I'm cheating. The sensor is pretty spectacular, and I think we can all agree that in-body IS actually makes some sense.
David Peterson ·
Shocking none of the D800 / D500 / D750 made the cut, at least one of them should have!
What about the many many Nikon lenses? Such as the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR! Nope, not even *ONE* of Nikons lenses is on the list!
Christopher J. May ·
I kind of think the D800 should have made the list. Who would have thought that one could pack that many pixels onto a sensor and still get that much dynamic range and high ISO quality in addition to breathtaking resolution? Additionally, the "e" model brought a bit more resolution for those willing to deal with occasional moiré. I'd guess that the D800 and D800e were the cameras that finally converted a lot of medium and large format film photographers to at least add a digital camera to their arsenals. When I think back to the seminal cameras of th past 10 years, they're definitely on the list.
T N Args ·
It says 'Favorite', not best, not seminal, so you can't argue what is in or out.
David Peterson ·
Shocking none of the D800 / D500 / D750 made the cut, at least one of them should have!
What about the many many Nikon lenses? Such as the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR! Nope, not even *ONE* of Nikons lenses is on the list!
Jack Hogan ·
This seems a bit Canon heavy to be a true list methinks…
Aron ·
it´s what people rent i guess.
the want professional gear not sony gimmicks.
Unrest ·
I agree; totally biased toward Canon. Wtf?
newworld666 ·
It’s strange that a gamechanger like the Canon 1Dx is not in the list,
and a nearly unusable toy like A7RII (no joystick, no touchscreen, poor
batteries, a few second zone lenses available) is selected.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
You brought both and spend a month with each to be sure about that? This is just a list… We can’t all have our prefered or beloved product in it otherwise we get all the gear in it 😉
Gabriel ·
unusable toy? hahahah what a pathetic loser. You are just one more butthurt Canon user unable to open your stupid eyes and see that Canon keeps raping you selling the same old crap and you keep buying them.
Look at the joke that is the 5D IV!!! A Full Frame camera that is unable to give you not only a FF 4K video but it gives you a crop smaller than the APS-C A6300 and it STILL cannot touch the A7Rii or D810 in ISO and DR. hahahahah and of course a dummy like you will already have it on preorder I am sure.
Guess an incompetent person has to come up with some stupid comment to excuse its own faults. If you are unable to take amazing photos with the A7Rii, which is very obvious you have never tried based on your more than stupid comment, then you need to change your hobby cause as a photographer you suck.
Nikon deserved more love on this list, no doubt. However, Nikon gets their sensors from Sony, and sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late. Plus nikon has had a struggle with recalls as of late, which shakes trust in the brand. (Recalls I can think of as of recent have been the Nikon D700, Nikon D750, Nikon D600 and Nikon D800)
Unrest ·
The D3/S, D700 and D4/S were not Sony sensors. Your logic is flawed.
Chris Daigle ·
And even the sensors Nikon bought from Sony were tailored to Nikon designs.
As for being n the list, the Nikon D3 saved the company from oblivion IMO.
Chris Daigle ·
And even the sensors Nikon bought from Sony were tailored to Nikon designs. As for being n the list, the Nikon D3 saved the company from oblivion IMO.
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
what sensors were used in those models: made by Nikon?
Unrest ·
Canon has also had recall and launch issues.
Eloise ·
“and Sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late.”
I must be the only person who hates EVFs…
Eloise ·
"and Sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late." I must be the only person who hates EVFs...
Elliott Anderson ·
Now Canon can compete with Nikon’s 14-24! Why not just list the 14-24?
This seems a bit Canon heavy to be a true unbiased list, methinks...
Aron ·
it´s what people rent i guess.
the want professional gear not sony gimmicks.
newworld666 ·
It's strange that a gamechanger like the Canon 1Dx is not in the list, and a nearly unusable toy like A7RII (no joystick, no touchscreen, poor batteries, a few second zone lenses available) is selected.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
You brought both and spend a month with each to be sure about that? This is just a list... We can't all have our prefered or beloved product in it otherwise we get all the gear in it ;)
Roger Cicala ·
Jack, I don't disagree, but Canon is almost 2/3 of our photo gear. If you look at it that way, someone else would say it was biased against Canon.
Roger
Elliott Anderson ·
Now Canon can compete with Nikon's 14-24! Why not just list the 14-24?
Marc P. ·
I do think the 5D (original) from Fall 2005 was a true Gamechanger – because after the 1Ds Mk. II from 2004, albeit with less Pixels, but better DR (12.8 MP) it made back in it’s day FF-Photography somehow “affordable” compared to the Canon Big Beast.
Even nowadays, the 5D with it’s “outdated” FF-Sensor is being able to capture very good pictures, and that special “Sauce” or Rendering Style of the 5D is superb, even the Dpreview Review stated, the 5D Original is sharper due to an very weak AA-Filterblock, more than the 5D Mk. II successor.
The 5D made endless photographs during it’s time & heyday, and still can be used today, and compared to todays offerings, “no nonsense” basic features – it’s still a very good DSLR.
Marc P. ·
I do think the 5D (original) from Fall 2005 was a true Gamechanger - because after the 1Ds Mk. II from 2004, albeit with less Pixels, but better DR (12.8 MP) it made back in it's day FF-Photography somehow "affordable" compared to the Canon Big Beast.
Even nowadays, the 5D with it's "outdated" FF-Sensor is being able to capture very good pictures, and that special "Sauce" or Rendering Style of the 5D is superb, even the Dpreview Review stated, the 5D Original is sharper due to an very weak AA-Filterblock, more than the 5D Mk. II successor.
The 5D made endless photographs during it's time & heyday, and still can be used today, and compared to todays offerings, "no nonsense" basic features - it's still a very good DSLR.
Tom Wood ·
Surprised the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII didn’t sneak in there…
Rick ·
why would you expect it to be here. versus all the other 70-200 2.8’s before it?
Unrest ·
Because it’s an excellent lens. Are you retarded?
Rick ·
so’s the 70-200 2.8L II the tamron 70-200 VC 2.8 and a myriad of others.. so again, what makes the nikkor VR II special? it’s focus breathing?
perhaps you missed the “versus all the other.. ” before launching off on a juvenile personal attack.
Unrest ·
I was responding to your question of why the 70-200 vr 2 should be considered. It’s special because it’s sharp, renders very nicely, has truly excellent focus performance and is built like a tank.
Rick ·
and so’s the tamron and canon 70-200 2.8L II .. so again.. what’s so special about the nikkor versus the others?
which was my original point in all this..
Rick ·
if the person I was replying to, stated the nikkor 14-24.. there would have not been a question about it. as it was the holy grail for landscapers for the longest of times and was umatched.
Gearsau ·
Still like my Nikon 14~24 lens. Just amazing. Its taken Canon years to come out with a competitor, that is wider, but, slower.
Unrest ·
Have you read Roger’s optical bench test of 70-200 2.8 lenses?
Rick ·
yes, and the variance reports. basically splitting hairs between them. next?
also the tamron can be forgiven because it’s just that much less expensive than the canon/nikon ones.
so again.. what makes the nikkor that much more remarkable?
again .. I’d totally agree with other nikon cameras such as the D700, D3 or D200 that should be on this list, or the 14-24.. but oh please.. the 70-200?
beat that fanboy chest a little harder why not.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
There not a 70-200 that is bad. This may be a great product. Some may think it is better than the competition but this isn’t a game changer.
IanHirst62 ·
I forget, were people this obnoxious before the invention of the internet and below-the-line commenting?
true ·
Now now, there’s no need to add 60-130 on the list when there are lenses that are actual 70-200
Tom Wood ·
Surprised the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII didn't sneak in there...
Rick ·
why would you expect it to be here. versus all the other 70-200 2.8's before it?
Unrest ·
Because it's an excellent lens. Are you retarded?
Rick ·
so's the 70-200 2.8L II the tamron 70-200 VC 2.8 and a myriad of others.. so again, what makes the nikkor VR II special? it's focus breathing?
perhaps you missed the "versus all the other.. " before launching off on a juvenile personal attack.
Unrest ·
I was responding to your question of why the 70-200 vr 2 should be considered. It's special because it's sharp, renders very nicely, has truly excellent focus performance and is built like a tank.
Rick ·
and so's the tamron and canon 70-200 2.8L II .. so again.. what's so special about the nikkor versus the others?
which was my original point in all this..
Unrest ·
Have you read Roger's optical bench test of 70-200 2.8 lenses?
Rick ·
yes, and the variance reports. basically splitting hairs between them. next?
also the tamron can be forgiven because it's just that much less expensive than the canon/nikon ones.
so again.. what makes the nikkor that much more remarkable?
again .. I'd totally agree with other nikon cameras such as the D700, D3 or D200 that should be on this list, or the 14-24.. but oh please.. the 70-200?
beat that fanboy chest a little harder why not.
"Most zooms have a ‘better’ end, but the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II is pretty even throughout the zoom range. There are some minor, hair-splitting differences, with it having less astigmatism in the middle part of the zoom range, but it’s really good from end-to-end. The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II is pretty close at both ends of the zoom range, although perhaps a tiny bit better at 70mm than at 200mm, but seems a little softer in the middle of the range. At the 70mm range, though, it’s a bit better than the Canon, while the Canon is clearly better at 135mm. At 200mm, I’d call them different, but one is not clearly better than the other."
you'd have to be a raging fanboy to come up with one that was significantly more remarkable than the other from that.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
There not a 70-200 that is bad. This may be a great product. Some may think it is better than the competition but this isn't a game changer.
true ·
Now now, there's no need to add 60-130 on the list when there are lenses that are actual 70-200 (canon)
Hopefully the third model will fix this issue, because the 3rd party lenses have this problem too, and the m1 isn't quite sharp enough @f2.8 , leaving nikon system out of viable 70-200mm with good sharpness. It could be a very big deal if one is into portraiture.
Unrest ·
What about the D3 & D800? Two groundbreaking cameras from Nikon?
I completely agree with the D3, it really did change the digital photography world when it was released. The D800, however, is nothing more than the sony camera packed into a DSLR, where it’s much better in the a7R version from Sony.
Unrest ·
We may have to agree to disagree here. Sony ergonomics are seriously lacking. In addition, do you remember the Nikon D3X and the Sony a900? Nikon’s version of that 24 mp FF Sony sensor was superior. Yes, Sony sensors are amazing but Sony still has a long way to when it comes to legacy (and current) lens selection and ergonomics.
I think the purpose of the a7 series was to sacrifice ergonomics for size. While the battery life isn’t quite there yet, it’s pretty incredible that the camera system has all the features and more of the Nikon D800/Canon 5DIII, and is 35% smaller in size. And while their lens lineup isn’t there, they’ve come a long way even in the last 6 months with their G series lenses.
And if anyone has the money to throw at developing new lenses to catch up, it’s Sony.
David Peterson ·
The a7R didn’t come out until long after the D800 had made its impact.
D800 deserves to be on the list.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I completely agree with the D3, it really did change the digital photography world when it was released. The D800, however, is nothing more than the sony camera packed into a DSLR, where it's much better in the a7R version from Sony.
Unrest ·
We may have to agree to disagree here. Sony ergonomics are seriously lacking. In addition, do you remember the Nikon D3X and the Sony a900? Nikon's version of that 24 mp FF Sony sensor was superior. Yes, Sony sensors are amazing but Sony still has a long way to go when it comes to legacy (and current) lens selection and ergonomics.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I think the purpose of the a7 series was to sacrifice ergonomics for size. While the battery life isn't quite there yet, it's pretty incredible that the camera system has all the features and more of the Nikon D800/Canon 5DIII, and is 35% smaller in size. And while their lens lineup isn't there, they've come a long way even in the last 6 months with their G series lenses.
And if anyone has the money to throw at developing new lenses to catch up, it's Sony.
David Peterson ·
The a7R didn't come out until long after the D800 had made its impact. D800 deserves to be on the list.
Neo Hsu ·
I see, so people would rather buy Nikon products, but only rent Canon.
Hans Christian Steen Hansen ·
The milestones to me, i.e. where I put my money:
1: upgraded from the spectacular and innovative Sony r1 (1995) to the Nikon D800. WOW!
2: Sony rx100 ( II ) is a gem, tiny, well-built and pin sharp (with some fabrication quality control issues that were resolved at no cost to me).
3: Panasonic FZ1000 25-400mm extending to ~600 mm delivers truly amazing 4K video @ its weight and price point. A true game-changer that forced Sony to respond in kind a couple of years later.
4: Sigma 15mm F2.8 Fish eye Lens and the hemi-fish-eye plugin. Yes you CAN make group photographs of people in confined spaces without distorting near-edge faces hideously. Focuses really close and is sharp @ f2.8.
5: Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 stabilized – the only of its kind. Adequately sharp edge-to-edge @ F2.8. Excessive weight? I guess the “no pain no gain” rule applies.
6. (wish list) Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4 E PF ED VR – a diffraction lens “for the rest of us” @ 1/3 the price of the Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO
7. Having used my friends Canon 1dx and 200 mm F2 and 70-200mm F2.8 I would say this camera is truly exceptionally robust and excellent at low-light indoors sports events.
8. Samyang should be applauded for bringing a hole series of affordable and high-quality primes to the market. I have the 14mm F2.8. I now prefer the Tamron 15-30mm for versatility and optical quality.
9. Adobe should be applauded for LightRoom and Photoshop where the most interesting feature fro me is the “miraculous” context-sensitive fill that allows me to easily get rid of power lines and adding missing pieces of sky in panoramas etc.
10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my D800 is far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world – can’t live without either of them!
Eloise ·
“10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world – I can’t imagine living without either of them!”
Surely if you are applauding Sony for their sensor technology … it would make them the ARM of the camera world…
Hans Christian Steen Hansen ·
The milestones to me, i.e. where I put my money: 1: upgraded from the spectacular and innovative Sony r1 (1995) to the Nikon D800. WOW! 2: Sony rx100 ( II ) is a gem, tiny, well-built and pin sharp (with some fabrication quality control issues that were resolved at no cost to me). 3: Panasonic FZ1000 25-400mm extending to ~600 mm delivers truly amazing 4K video @ its weight and price point. A true game-changer that forced Sony to respond in kind a couple of years later. 4: Sigma 15mm F2.8 Fish eye Lens and the hemi-fish-eye plugin. Yes you CAN make group photographs of people in confined spaces without distorting near-edge faces hideously. Focuses really close and is sharp @ f2.8. 5: Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 stabilized - the only of its kind. Adequately sharp edge-to-edge @ F2.8. Excessive weight? I guess the "no pain no gain" rule applies. 6. (wish list) Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4 E PF ED VR - a diffraction lens "for the rest of us" @ 1/3 the price of the Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO 7. Having used my friends Canon 1dx and 200 mm F2 and 70-200mm F2.8 I would say this camera is truly exceptionally robust and excellent at low-light indoors sports events. 8. Samyang should be applauded for bringing a hole series of affordable and high-quality primes to the market. I have the 14mm F2.8. I now prefer the Tamron 15-30mm for versatility and optical quality. 9. Adobe should be applauded for LightRoom and Photoshop where the most interesting feature to me is the "miraculous" context-sensitive fill that allows me to easily get rid of power lines and add missing pieces of sky or ground etc. in panoramas. 10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world - I can't imagine living without either of them!
Eloise ·
"10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world - I can't imagine living without either of them!" Surely if you are applauding Sony for their sensor technology ... it would make them the ARM of the camera world...
C0der7 ·
No GH4 or Sony F5? It seems like this entire list is focused on photography, not products they carry. Just my opinion, Lens Rentals still rocks!
The Movi suggests that it’s not entirely photography.
The reality is that it’s borderline impossible to select only ten products that we love that have came out in the last 10 years. Nikon didn’t get nearly the love it deserves on this list, and if it was a top 15 or even 12, the Sony FS5 would have likely made the list as well.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
The Movi suggests that it's not entirely photography.
The reality is that it's borderline impossible to select only ten products that we love that have came out in the last 10 years. Nikon didn't get nearly the love it deserves on this list, and if it was a top 15 or even 12, the Sony FS5 would have likely made the list as well.
Lee ·
I would’ve listed the D3 before the 5D2. That’s the camera that really made low-light / high-iso usable for more than b&w newsprint.
Lee ·
I would've listed the D3 before the 5D2. That's the camera that really made low-light / high-iso usable for more than b&w newsprint.
T N Args ·
I am glad that you are enjoying so many huge cameras and lenses. I guess the fact you can put them back on the shelf at work makes them ‘hugely enjoyable’. 🙂
T N Args ·
I am glad that you are enjoying so many huge cameras and lenses. I guess the fact you can put them back on the shelf at work makes them 'hugely enjoyable'. :)
Fiatlux ·
Perhaps not Canon-biased but certainly focusing on very recent products, apart from the 5D MkII. Maybe the exercise of choosing a single product per year would have been more challenging?
I would have elected the D700 as the DSLR that converted a lot of Nikon users to FF, and perhaps the 14-24 2.8 even if I never used it myself.
Fiatlux ·
Perhaps not Canon-biased but certainly focusing on very recent products, apart from the 5D MkII. Maybe the exercise of choosing a single product per year would have been more challenging?
I would have elected the D700 as the DSLR that converted a lot of Nikon users to FF, and perhaps the 14-24 2.8 even if I never used it myself.
Nikita ·
So Nikon has made no meaningful contribution over the last decade? Strange list.
Drumcrusher ·
no d700, d3, or d800? without the 14-24, the canon zoom would have never happened. what is your definition of groundbreaking? maybe this should be called, “Favorite equipment for nikon haters. haha
Drumcrusher ·
no d700, d3, or d800? without the 14-24, the canon zoom would have never happened. what is your definition of groundbreaking? maybe this should be called, "Favorite equipment for nikon haters. haha
Harold Mayo ·
Not to split hairs….but 1995 is 11 (eleven) years ago…so the 5Dc and other products launched in 1995 don’t count. :p
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
1995 is 21 years ago, not 11!
Harold Mayo ·
Oops my bad :p Gosh….where did those 10 years go? LOL
Harold Mayo ·
Oops my bad :p Gosh....where did those 10 years go? LOL
Harold Mayo ·
Not to split hairs....but 1995 is 11 (eleven) years ago...so the 5Dc and other products launched in 1995 don't count. :p
Mel Bourne ·
The Nikon D800, for the sake of Pete.
It smashed the 5DII and 5DIII for stills, which is what those cameras do best, better dynamic range (by a long shot) and the functionality – it was 2012’s big photography gear story.
Also, the Canon 11mm was beaten shortly after by the Voigtlander 10mm.
David Peterson ·
Agreed, D90 is also notable historically. Without that push from Nikon then Canon likely would’ve never put in video in the 5Dmk2! (just like they failed to do with the 50D…)
I agree. They had to put the Nikon D800 next to the Canon 5D2. It also changed the industry. Many many people bought it because of Nikon’s BOLD move to implement unthinkably hight MP count for a regular DSLR FF body.
Mel Bourne ·
The Nikon D800, for the sake of Pete. It smashed the 5DII and 5DIII for stills, which is what those cameras do best, better dynamic range (by a long shot) and the functionality - it was 2012's big photography gear story.
The Nikon D90 for introducing video to DSLR's and kicking off what is now a considered a standard feature.
Also, the Canon 11mm was beaten shortly after by the Voigtlander 10mm.
David Peterson ·
Agreed, D90 is also notable historically. Without that push from Nikon then Canon likely would've never put in video in the 5Dmk2! (just like they failed to do with the 50D...)
Diko Jelev ·
I agree. They had to put the Nikon D800 next to the Canon 5D2. It also changed the industry. Many many people bought it because of Nikon's BOLD move to implement unthinkably hight MP count for a regular DSLR FF body.
Nice list.
But this is a current favorites list, not a past decade’s list.
The 5DmkII is the only gear on the list which isn’t recent.
Falk Lumo ·
Nice list. But this is a current favorites list, not a past decade's list. The 5DmkII is the only gear on the list which isn't recent.
Edna Bambrick ·
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Arthur Meursault ·
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Arthur Meursault ·
I am shocked that Zach didn't include PortraitPro in his list. It sure was included in his post processing! I gave Roger the same 'smokey eyes' treatment.
Wilson Laidlaw ·
I originally thought the Leica SL and 24-90 lens was far too big and heavy and though I intended to buy one, it would only see limited use. After 9 months with the SL, it is my M rangefinders which sit gathering dust. After three firmware updates, Leica have been very responsive in curing pretty much all the niggles and teething problems we have reported to them. The AF is much better now, especially with the 90-280 lens. My only beef is I don’t like the manual focus on the lenses. As the SL is a contrast detection AF system, you sometimes have to use MF when photographing low contrast subjects. The MF “fly by wire” focus control ring seems a bit vague and unresponsive to me.
Wilson Laidlaw ·
I originally thought the Leica SL and 24-90 lens was far too big and heavy and though I intended to buy one, it would only see limited use. After 9 months with the SL, it is my M rangefinders which sit gathering dust. After three firmware updates, Leica have been very responsive in curing pretty much all the niggles and teething problems we have reported to them. The AF is much better now, especially with the 90-280 lens. My only beef is I don't like the manual focus on the lenses. As the SL is a contrast detection AF system, you sometimes have to use MF when photographing low contrast subjects. The MF "fly by wire" focus control ring seems a bit vague and unresponsive to me.
Laurence J Segil ·
Nothing from Zeiss? Their ZF and ZM lens were in some cases, groundbreaking, but in nearly all cases, superb in quality, and in the case of the ZM lenses, even very economical compared to the existing lenses available from the elephant in the rangefinder’s room. The Otus line of lenses is, to my knowledge, recognized by most to be the finest lenses ever made for SLR use, provided one can actually lift them and afford them.
Laurence J Segil ·
Nothing from Zeiss? Their ZF and ZM lens were in some cases, groundbreaking, but in nearly all cases, superb in quality, and in the case of the ZM lenses, even very economical compared to the existing lenses available from the elephant in the rangefinder's room. The Otus line of lenses is, to my knowledge, recognized by most to be the finest lenses ever made for SLR use, provided one can actually lift them and afford them.
Ruy Penalva ·
Miss 1D X MK II
Jon ·
Roger, your comment about Hasselblad lenses – have you posted the reasons for your opinion about them somewhere? If not can you expand on what you concern about them is and what lens problems they have to solve?
Jon, remember this was an experience from several years ago, when we stopped carrying them. It may no longer be true. But the problems were the zooms broke often. I remember having more than half the zooms in repair at any given time. Optical adjustments were poor and service couldn’t correct them. And, for us at that time, repair turnaround was months and months. I think they have US repair now so that should certainly be better.
Roger
Jon ·
Thank you for taking the time to explain.
Jon ·
Roger, your comment about Hasselblad lenses - have you posted the reasons for your opinion about them somewhere? If not can you expand on what you concern about them is and what lens problems they have to solve?
Roger Cicala ·
Jon, remember this was an experience from several years ago, when we stopped carrying them. It may no longer be true. But the problems were the zooms broke often. I remember having more than half the zooms in repair at any given time. Optical adjustments were poor and service couldn't correct them. And, for us at that time, repair turnaround was months and months. I think they have US repair now so that should certainly be better. Roger
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
the Pentax 645Z (and ~D, which, sensor-wise, is the much better model btw imo!) can accept MANY lenses from older 645 and 6×7 formats of Pentax itself as well as from other cameras! so, isn’t “lackluster” a little bit too much here?
surely Leica MF cameras are great, maybe even better than the Hassy and Pentax, but Leica SL? you call such a “disaster” a breakthrough or something like that in the last decade? sorry, do you do photography at all, or do you just play with photographic gear as ultra-advanced toys? (same applies to Pentax 645Z because of its sensor too! isn’t it the same sensor as the one in the Leica SL?)
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
some other models by Pentax (K-5IIs, K-3II, KS-2, K-70 and the FF K-1) as well as quite a number of Olympus models AND the Sigma cameras with their great Foveon sensor are also missing from this list … yes, none of the ones i just mentioned here are in par with most of those in this list perhaps, but they have been great cameras in their own category anyway … and some of them offer at least a few items none on this list do! (if we’re after ‘fancy electronic toys that take pictures and video too!’ then the ones i referred to here are no less better either!)
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
the Pentax 645Z (and ~D, which, sensor-wise, is the much better model btw imo!) can accept MANY lenses from older 645 and 6x7 formats of Pentax itself as well as from other cameras! so, isn't "lackluster" a little bit too much here?
surely Leica MF cameras are great, maybe even better than the Hassy and Pentax, but Leica SL? you call such a "disaster" a breakthrough or something like that in the last decade? sorry, do you do photography at all, or do you just play with photographic gear as ultra-advanced toys? (same applies to Pentax 645Z because of its sensor too! isn't it the same mediocre sensor as the one in the Leica SL?)
another "disaster" camera, mainly due to an overrated, over-pixeled sensor with super-mediocre results: Canon 5Ds/~R! pooh! glad i don't see that one here in a group of Canon-lovers! :D
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
some other models by Pentax (K-5IIs, K-3II, KS-2, K-70 and the FF K-1) as well as quite a number of Olympus models AND the Sigma cameras with their great Foveon sensor are also missing from this list ... yes, none of the ones i just mentioned here are in par with most of those in this list perhaps, but they have been great cameras in their own category anyway ... and some of them offer at least a few items none on this list do! (if we're after 'fancy electronic toys that take pictures and video too!' then the ones i referred to here are no less better either!)
153 Comments
Sid ·
No love for the Sony RX100 series?
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I think there is plenty of love for it. When we came up with putting this list together, so many products didn’t make the list; not because they were bad products, but other products had a slightly bigger impact than they did.
I think the majority of the staff agrees, that Sony is the most improved over the last few years. 4 years ago or so, Sony shooters (on the photo level at least) were mocked for the gear they used. Now it’s agreed that they make some of the best camera systems available with the a7rII and a7sII.
But if we listed all of the pieces of gear that we loved, you’d have died of old age before you got through the entire blog post. 🙂
Sid ·
I agree, whenever someone comes up with a list like this there’s always someone moaning about what was left out. This time it was me 🙂
Having used the 2 Canon cameras and the a7R II on this list, however, I _personally_ would put (any of the) the RX100 cameras ahead of all of them.
FWIW, my ordering of cameras I’ve used in the last 10 years considering when they were released would be:
1) RX100 & RX100M4;
2) a7RII;
3) D800 & 5D2
4) RX1RM2
5) 350D & 5D3
Zach Sutton Photography ·
Ah, that’s what we want.
I was in charge of collecting the top ten lists from all the staff, and finding the top ten items most commonly listed to create the list you see here. That process in itself was cumbersome, since everyone on staff shoots entirely different things from each other, while keeping the list diverse and interesting. Obviously, me, and many staff members didn’t list something like the Canon 400MM DO lens, cause as a portrait photographer, I have no need or desire to shoot with something like that. When we had speciality pieces like that, it really came down to people pleading their cases for gear. The optic nerds were responsible for getting that lens on the list. Whereas the strobist nerds like myself really had to make a plea for the Profoto B1.
Had no one pleaded their cases, this would have been a list of generic camera bodies and 24-70s/70-200s.
But you’ve swayed me. I’m going to look into taking a rental out on the RX100 sometime in the next couple weeks to see for myself.
James J Stewart ·
While you’re at it, take out an RX-10ii or RX10iii. I rented the latter for a church picnic, and I was truly impressed with what it accomplished.
Roger Cicala ·
James, I nominated those and they were considered. I have one myself.
Roger
Unrest ·
I like your site and the articles but I gotta be honest and say that’s a lame list, Roger.
Roger Cicala ·
Aren’t all lists kinda lame? I don’t disagree with you. It looks like what it is: a list made by a committee trying to cover too much territory.
Roger
Sid ·
Sounds good! Have fun 🙂
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I think there is plenty of love for it. When we came up with putting this list together, so many products didn't make the list; not because they were bad products, but other products had a slightly bigger impact than they did.
I think the majority of the staff agrees, that Sony is the most improved over the last few years. 4 years ago or so, Sony shooters (on the photo level at least) were mocked for the gear they used. Now it's agreed that they make some of the best camera systems available with the a7rII and a7sII.
But if we listed all of the pieces of gear that we loved, you'd have died of old age before you got through the entire blog post. :-)
Sid ·
I agree, whenever someone comes up with a list like this there's always someone moaning about what was left out. This time it was me :)
Having used the 2 Canon cameras and the a7R II on this list, however, I _personally_ would put (any of the) the RX100 cameras ahead of all of them.
FWIW, my ordering of cameras I've used in the last 10 years considering when they were released would be:
1) RX100 & RX100M4;
2) a7RII;
3) D800 & 5D2
4) RX1RM2
5) 350D & 5D3
Zach Sutton Photography ·
Ah, that's what we want.
I was in charge of collecting the top ten lists from all the staff, and finding the top ten items most commonly listed to create the list you see here. That process in itself was cumbersome, since everyone on staff shoots entirely different things from each other, while keeping the list diverse and interesting. Obviously, me, and many staff members didn't list something like the Canon 400MM DO lens, cause as a portrait photographer, I have no need or desire to shoot with something like that. When we had speciality pieces like that, it really came down to people pleading their cases for gear. The optic nerds were responsible for getting that lens on the list. Whereas the strobist nerds like myself really had to make a plea for the Profoto B1.
Had no one pleaded their cases, this would have been a list of generic camera bodies and 24-70s/70-200s.
But you've swayed me. I'm going to look into taking a rental out on the RX100 sometime in the next couple weeks to see for myself.
James J Stewart ·
While you're at it, take out an RX-10ii or RX10iii. I rented the latter for a church picnic, and I was truly impressed with what it accomplished.
Roger Cicala ·
James, I nominated those and they were considered. I have one myself.
Roger
Unrest ·
I like your site and the articles but I gotta be honest and say that's a lame list, Roger.
Roger Cicala ·
Aren't all lists kinda lame? I don't disagree with you. It looks like what it is: a list made by a committee trying to cover too much territory.
Roger
Sid ·
Sounds good! Have fun :)
Szu-Ping Lee ·
One vote for RX100, it is really a little camera that can. I used to have to log Sony A99 or A7s when backpacking or climbing, now it is just the little RX100M4 in a small waist pocket.
However, this list is sound. There are too many great photographic gear out there (Nikon 14-24, D810…), but this is a good list. Thanks to Lensrentals.com, we have the opportunity to try different gear. Keep up the good work!
Szu-Ping Lee ·
One vote for RX100, it is really a little camera that can. I used to have to log Sony A99 or A7s when backpacking or climbing, now it is just the little RX100M4 in a small waist pocket.
However, this list is sound. There are too many great photographic gear out there (Nikon 14-24, D810...), but this is a good list. Thanks to Lensrentals.com, we have the opportunity to try different gear. Keep up the good work!
Carl Eberhart ·
I posted a long rant about this on FB.
darngooddesign ·
Well thank god for that.
Carl Eberhart ·
Go read it and thank me instead.
Halfrack ·
More love for my favorite camera, the 645z. And while the legacy lineup of lenses has it’s issue, the fact I get TTL and HSS with the Pentax speedlight, I can shoot wide open in daylight with a number of f2.8 lenses.
John Gaylord ·
Anybody know why the Pentax 25mm lens for the 645D/Z cameras was discontinued? I asked a Pentax rep at Photocon LA and he said: “I don’t have an answer.”
Halfrack ·
More love for my favorite camera, the 645z. And while the legacy lineup of lenses has it's issue, the fact I get TTL and HSS with the Pentax speedlight, I can shoot wide open in daylight with a number of f2.8 lenses.
Gert_W ·
Gert_W
Ryan Hill ·
We stuck to stuff we actually rent, but you’re absolutely right about smartphones. They’ve probably changed photography more than any single product in the last century. A lot of photographers see it as a negative, and there are downsides to be sure. I’m optimistic, though. The more people taking and sharing photographs, the better.
Johannes Dahlström ·
I hope you don’t think Apple invented the camera phone…
“By 2003, more camera phones were sold worldwide than stand-alone digital cameras. In 2005, Nokia became the world’s most sold digital camera brand. In 2006, half of the world’s mobile phones had a built-in camera. [–] In 2008, Nokia sold more camera phones than Kodak sold film based simple cameras, thus becoming the biggest manufacturer of any kind of camera.” –Wikipedia
Gert_W ·
I had a mobile phone with camera really early, but i never used it the way I do it with my smartphone. I shot a picture from time to time an sent it as MMS, which was slow.
Now I have a lot of ways to send my photos – WhatsApp, Instagram etc.
Not the existence of the camera in a phone has changed, but the ways people use it!
Gert_W ·
I think, you left out the most revolutionary photographic device - the smartphone, introduced just 9 years ago!
Ryan Hill ·
We stuck to stuff we actually rent, but you're absolutely right about smartphones. They've probably changed photography more than any single product in the last century. A lot of photographers see it as a negative, and there are downsides to be sure. I'm optimistic, though. The more people taking and sharing photographs, the better.
Johannes Dahlström ·
I hope you don't think Apple invented the smartphone or the camera phone...
"By 2003, more camera phones were sold worldwide than stand-alone digital cameras. In 2005, Nokia became the world's most sold digital camera brand. In 2006, half of the world's mobile phones had a built-in camera. [--] In 2008, Nokia sold more camera phones than Kodak sold film based simple cameras, thus becoming the biggest manufacturer of any kind of camera." --Wikipedia
Globally, outside the US, the iPhone has never been *that* popular.
Gert_W ·
I had a mobile phone with camera really early, but i never used it the way I do it with my smartphone. I shot a picture from time to time an sent it as MMS, which was slow.
Now I have a lot of ways to send my photos - WhatsApp, Instagram etc.
Not the existence of the camera in a phone has changed, but the ways people use it!
Christopher J. May ·
I kind of think the D800 should have made the list. Who would have thought that one could pack that many pixels onto a sensor and still get that much dynamic range and high ISO quality in addition to breathtaking resolution? Additionally, the “e” model brought a bit more resolution for those willing to deal with occasional moiré. I’d guess that the D800 and D800e were the cameras that finally converted a lot of medium and large format film photographers to at least add a digital camera to their arsenals. When I think back to the seminal cameras of th past 10 years, they’re definitely on the list.
Unrest ·
Completely agree with you here.
Bob Thane ·
The Nikon D500 and 200-500 are also arguably game changers, or the Tamron 150-600 if you want to see what started the whole affordable wildlife bandwagon.
T N Args ·
It says ‘Favorite’, not best, not seminal, so you can’t argue what is in or out.
Christopher J. May ·
The last paragraph of the article would seem to indicate that I can.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
That sensor is incredibly no doubt, but I think we agreed that it works best when packaged into the Sony a7r, and the a7rII was a pretty big improvement in the alpha series from Sony, which is why it made the list.
Christopher J. May ·
Fair enough. I tend to think that the D800/e did a better job than the a7r of implementing what that sensor could do because of Sony’s compression and 11 bit processing but your argument for the second version of the a7r makes those points moot.
The a7r Mk II is indeed a step up in many ways. I’m still not ready to give up on DSLR’s yet because of issues like AF performance and battery life, but I at least understand the mirrorless appeal and the a7r Mk II definitely exemplifies a lot of the good points of mirrorless.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
If you haven’t had the opportunity, I recommend at least checking out the a7rII. The digital viewfinder sort of blows my mind and makes me feel like I’m cheating. The sensor is pretty spectacular, and I think we can all agree that in-body IS actually makes some sense.
Christopher J. May ·
Fair enough. I tend to think that the D800/e did a better job than the a7r of implementing what that sensor could do because of Sony's compression and 11 bit processing but your argument for the second version of the a7r makes those points moot.
The a7r Mk II is indeed a step up in many ways. I'm still not ready to give up on DSLR's yet because of issues like AF performance and battery life, but I at least understand the mirrorless appeal and the a7r Mk II definitely exemplifies a lot of the good points of mirrorless.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
If you haven't had the opportunity, I recommend at least checking out the a7rII. The digital viewfinder sort of blows my mind and makes me feel like I'm cheating. The sensor is pretty spectacular, and I think we can all agree that in-body IS actually makes some sense.
David Peterson ·
Shocking none of the D800 / D500 / D750 made the cut, at least one of them should have!
What about the many many Nikon lenses? Such as the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR! Nope, not even *ONE* of Nikons lenses is on the list!
Christopher J. May ·
I kind of think the D800 should have made the list. Who would have thought that one could pack that many pixels onto a sensor and still get that much dynamic range and high ISO quality in addition to breathtaking resolution? Additionally, the "e" model brought a bit more resolution for those willing to deal with occasional moiré. I'd guess that the D800 and D800e were the cameras that finally converted a lot of medium and large format film photographers to at least add a digital camera to their arsenals. When I think back to the seminal cameras of th past 10 years, they're definitely on the list.
T N Args ·
It says 'Favorite', not best, not seminal, so you can't argue what is in or out.
David Peterson ·
Shocking none of the D800 / D500 / D750 made the cut, at least one of them should have!
What about the many many Nikon lenses? Such as the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR! Nope, not even *ONE* of Nikons lenses is on the list!
Jack Hogan ·
This seems a bit Canon heavy to be a true list methinks…
Aron ·
it´s what people rent i guess.
the want professional gear not sony gimmicks.
Unrest ·
I agree; totally biased toward Canon. Wtf?
newworld666 ·
It’s strange that a gamechanger like the Canon 1Dx is not in the list,
and a nearly unusable toy like A7RII (no joystick, no touchscreen, poor
batteries, a few second zone lenses available) is selected.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
You brought both and spend a month with each to be sure about that? This is just a list… We can’t all have our prefered or beloved product in it otherwise we get all the gear in it 😉
Gabriel ·
unusable toy? hahahah what a pathetic loser. You are just one more butthurt Canon user unable to open your stupid eyes and see that Canon keeps raping you selling the same old crap and you keep buying them.
Look at the joke that is the 5D IV!!! A Full Frame camera that is unable to give you not only a FF 4K video but it gives you a crop smaller than the APS-C A6300 and it STILL cannot touch the A7Rii or D810 in ISO and DR. hahahahah and of course a dummy like you will already have it on preorder I am sure.
Guess an incompetent person has to come up with some stupid comment to excuse its own faults. If you are unable to take amazing photos with the A7Rii, which is very obvious you have never tried based on your more than stupid comment, then you need to change your hobby cause as a photographer you suck.
Roger Cicala ·
Jack, I don’t disagree, but Canon is almost 2/3 of our photo gear. If you look at it that way, someone else would say it was biased against Canon.
Roger
Zach Sutton Photography ·
Nikon deserved more love on this list, no doubt. However, Nikon gets their sensors from Sony, and sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late. Plus nikon has had a struggle with recalls as of late, which shakes trust in the brand. (Recalls I can think of as of recent have been the Nikon D700, Nikon D750, Nikon D600 and Nikon D800)
Unrest ·
The D3/S, D700 and D4/S were not Sony sensors. Your logic is flawed.
Chris Daigle ·
And even the sensors Nikon bought from Sony were tailored to Nikon designs.
As for being n the list, the Nikon D3 saved the company from oblivion IMO.
Chris Daigle ·
And even the sensors Nikon bought from Sony were tailored to Nikon designs.
As for being n the list, the Nikon D3 saved the company from oblivion IMO.
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
what sensors were used in those models: made by Nikon?
Unrest ·
Canon has also had recall and launch issues.
Eloise ·
“and Sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late.”
I must be the only person who hates EVFs…
Eloise ·
"and Sony has been doing a pretty fantastic job of putting their sensors in better systems than Nikon has as of late."
I must be the only person who hates EVFs...
Elliott Anderson ·
Now Canon can compete with Nikon’s 14-24! Why not just list the 14-24?
Roger Cicala ·
Because 11mm is massively different than 14mm?
Jack Hogan ·
This seems a bit Canon heavy to be a true unbiased list, methinks...
Aron ·
it´s what people rent i guess.
the want professional gear not sony gimmicks.
newworld666 ·
It's strange that a gamechanger like the Canon 1Dx is not in the list,
and a nearly unusable toy like A7RII (no joystick, no touchscreen, poor
batteries, a few second zone lenses available) is selected.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
You brought both and spend a month with each to be sure about that? This is just a list... We can't all have our prefered or beloved product in it otherwise we get all the gear in it ;)
Roger Cicala ·
Jack, I don't disagree, but Canon is almost 2/3 of our photo gear. If you look at it that way, someone else would say it was biased against Canon.
Roger
Elliott Anderson ·
Now Canon can compete with Nikon's 14-24! Why not just list the 14-24?
Marc P. ·
I do think the 5D (original) from Fall 2005 was a true Gamechanger – because after the 1Ds Mk. II from 2004, albeit with less Pixels, but better DR (12.8 MP) it made back in it’s day FF-Photography somehow “affordable” compared to the Canon Big Beast.
Even nowadays, the 5D with it’s “outdated” FF-Sensor is being able to capture very good pictures, and that special “Sauce” or Rendering Style of the 5D is superb, even the Dpreview Review stated, the 5D Original is sharper due to an very weak AA-Filterblock, more than the 5D Mk. II successor.
The 5D made endless photographs during it’s time & heyday, and still can be used today, and compared to todays offerings, “no nonsense” basic features – it’s still a very good DSLR.
Marc P. ·
I do think the 5D (original) from Fall 2005 was a true Gamechanger - because after the 1Ds Mk. II from 2004, albeit with less Pixels, but better DR (12.8 MP) it made back in it's day FF-Photography somehow "affordable" compared to the Canon Big Beast.
Even nowadays, the 5D with it's "outdated" FF-Sensor is being able to capture very good pictures, and that special "Sauce" or Rendering Style of the 5D is superb, even the Dpreview Review stated, the 5D Original is sharper due to an very weak AA-Filterblock, more than the 5D Mk. II successor.
The 5D made endless photographs during it's time & heyday, and still can be used today, and compared to todays offerings, "no nonsense" basic features - it's still a very good DSLR.
Tom Wood ·
Surprised the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII didn’t sneak in there…
Rick ·
why would you expect it to be here. versus all the other 70-200 2.8’s before it?
Unrest ·
Because it’s an excellent lens. Are you retarded?
Rick ·
so’s the 70-200 2.8L II the tamron 70-200 VC 2.8 and a myriad of others.. so again, what makes the nikkor VR II special? it’s focus breathing?
perhaps you missed the “versus all the other.. ” before launching off on a juvenile personal attack.
Unrest ·
I was responding to your question of why the 70-200 vr 2 should be considered. It’s special because it’s sharp, renders very nicely, has truly excellent focus performance and is built like a tank.
Rick ·
and so’s the tamron and canon 70-200 2.8L II .. so again.. what’s so special about the nikkor versus the others?
which was my original point in all this..
Rick ·
if the person I was replying to, stated the nikkor 14-24.. there would have not been a question about it. as it was the holy grail for landscapers for the longest of times and was umatched.
Gearsau ·
Still like my Nikon 14~24 lens. Just amazing. Its taken Canon years to come out with a competitor, that is wider, but, slower.
Unrest ·
Have you read Roger’s optical bench test of 70-200 2.8 lenses?
Rick ·
yes, and the variance reports. basically splitting hairs between them. next?
also the tamron can be forgiven because it’s just that much less expensive than the canon/nikon ones.
so again.. what makes the nikkor that much more remarkable?
again .. I’d totally agree with other nikon cameras such as the D700, D3 or D200 that should be on this list, or the 14-24.. but oh please.. the 70-200?
beat that fanboy chest a little harder why not.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
There not a 70-200 that is bad. This may be a great product. Some may think it is better than the competition but this isn’t a game changer.
IanHirst62 ·
I forget, were people this obnoxious before the invention of the internet and below-the-line commenting?
true ·
Now now, there’s no need to add 60-130 on the list when there are lenses that are actual 70-200
Tom Wood ·
Surprised the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII didn't sneak in there...
Rick ·
why would you expect it to be here. versus all the other 70-200 2.8's before it?
Unrest ·
Because it's an excellent lens. Are you retarded?
Rick ·
so's the 70-200 2.8L II the tamron 70-200 VC 2.8 and a myriad of others.. so again, what makes the nikkor VR II special? it's focus breathing?
perhaps you missed the "versus all the other.. " before launching off on a juvenile personal attack.
Unrest ·
I was responding to your question of why the 70-200 vr 2 should be considered. It's special because it's sharp, renders very nicely, has truly excellent focus performance and is built like a tank.
Rick ·
and so's the tamron and canon 70-200 2.8L II .. so again.. what's so special about the nikkor versus the others?
which was my original point in all this..
Unrest ·
Have you read Roger's optical bench test of 70-200 2.8 lenses?
Rick ·
yes, and the variance reports. basically splitting hairs between them. next?
also the tamron can be forgiven because it's just that much less expensive than the canon/nikon ones.
so again.. what makes the nikkor that much more remarkable?
again .. I'd totally agree with other nikon cameras such as the D700, D3 or D200 that should be on this list, or the 14-24.. but oh please.. the 70-200?
beat that fanboy chest a little harder why not.
"Most zooms have a ‘better’ end, but the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II is pretty even throughout the zoom range. There are some minor, hair-splitting differences, with it having less astigmatism in the middle part of the zoom range, but it’s really good from end-to-end. The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II is pretty close at both ends of the zoom range, although perhaps a tiny bit better at 70mm than at 200mm, but seems a little softer in the middle of the range. At the 70mm range, though, it’s a bit better than the Canon, while the Canon is clearly better at 135mm. At 200mm, I’d call them different, but one is not clearly better than the other."
you'd have to be a raging fanboy to come up with one that was significantly more remarkable than the other from that.
Nicolas Bousquet ·
There not a 70-200 that is bad. This may be a great product. Some may think it is better than the competition but this isn't a game changer.
true ·
Now now, there's no need to add 60-130 on the list when there are lenses that are actual 70-200 (canon)
Hopefully the third model will fix this issue, because the 3rd party lenses have this problem too, and the m1 isn't quite sharp enough @f2.8 , leaving nikon system out of viable 70-200mm with good sharpness. It could be a very big deal if one is into portraiture.
Unrest ·
What about the D3 & D800? Two groundbreaking cameras from Nikon?
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I completely agree with the D3, it really did change the digital photography world when it was released. The D800, however, is nothing more than the sony camera packed into a DSLR, where it’s much better in the a7R version from Sony.
Unrest ·
We may have to agree to disagree here. Sony ergonomics are seriously lacking. In addition, do you remember the Nikon D3X and the Sony a900? Nikon’s version of that 24 mp FF Sony sensor was superior. Yes, Sony sensors are amazing but Sony still has a long way to when it comes to legacy (and current) lens selection and ergonomics.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I think the purpose of the a7 series was to sacrifice ergonomics for size. While the battery life isn’t quite there yet, it’s pretty incredible that the camera system has all the features and more of the Nikon D800/Canon 5DIII, and is 35% smaller in size. And while their lens lineup isn’t there, they’ve come a long way even in the last 6 months with their G series lenses.
And if anyone has the money to throw at developing new lenses to catch up, it’s Sony.
David Peterson ·
The a7R didn’t come out until long after the D800 had made its impact.
D800 deserves to be on the list.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I completely agree with the D3, it really did change the digital photography world when it was released. The D800, however, is nothing more than the sony camera packed into a DSLR, where it's much better in the a7R version from Sony.
Unrest ·
We may have to agree to disagree here. Sony ergonomics are seriously lacking. In addition, do you remember the Nikon D3X and the Sony a900? Nikon's version of that 24 mp FF Sony sensor was superior. Yes, Sony sensors are amazing but Sony still has a long way to go when it comes to legacy (and current) lens selection and ergonomics.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
I think the purpose of the a7 series was to sacrifice ergonomics for size. While the battery life isn't quite there yet, it's pretty incredible that the camera system has all the features and more of the Nikon D800/Canon 5DIII, and is 35% smaller in size. And while their lens lineup isn't there, they've come a long way even in the last 6 months with their G series lenses.
And if anyone has the money to throw at developing new lenses to catch up, it's Sony.
David Peterson ·
The a7R didn't come out until long after the D800 had made its impact.
D800 deserves to be on the list.
Neo Hsu ·
I see, so people would rather buy Nikon products, but only rent Canon.
Hans Christian Steen Hansen ·
The milestones to me, i.e. where I put my money:
1: upgraded from the spectacular and innovative Sony r1 (1995) to the Nikon D800. WOW!
2: Sony rx100 ( II ) is a gem, tiny, well-built and pin sharp (with some fabrication quality control issues that were resolved at no cost to me).
3: Panasonic FZ1000 25-400mm extending to ~600 mm delivers truly amazing 4K video @ its weight and price point. A true game-changer that forced Sony to respond in kind a couple of years later.
4: Sigma 15mm F2.8 Fish eye Lens and the hemi-fish-eye plugin. Yes you CAN make group photographs of people in confined spaces without distorting near-edge faces hideously. Focuses really close and is sharp @ f2.8.
5: Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 stabilized – the only of its kind. Adequately sharp edge-to-edge @ F2.8. Excessive weight? I guess the “no pain no gain” rule applies.
6. (wish list) Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4 E PF ED VR – a diffraction lens “for the rest of us” @ 1/3 the price of the Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO
7. Having used my friends Canon 1dx and 200 mm F2 and 70-200mm F2.8 I would say this camera is truly exceptionally robust and excellent at low-light indoors sports events.
8. Samyang should be applauded for bringing a hole series of affordable and high-quality primes to the market. I have the 14mm F2.8. I now prefer the Tamron 15-30mm for versatility and optical quality.
9. Adobe should be applauded for LightRoom and Photoshop where the most interesting feature fro me is the “miraculous” context-sensitive fill that allows me to easily get rid of power lines and adding missing pieces of sky in panoramas etc.
10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my D800 is far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world – can’t live without either of them!
Eloise ·
“10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world – I can’t imagine living without either of them!”
Surely if you are applauding Sony for their sensor technology … it would make them the ARM of the camera world…
Hans Christian Steen Hansen ·
The milestones to me, i.e. where I put my money:
1: upgraded from the spectacular and innovative Sony r1 (1995) to the Nikon D800. WOW!
2: Sony rx100 ( II ) is a gem, tiny, well-built and pin sharp (with some fabrication quality control issues that were resolved at no cost to me).
3: Panasonic FZ1000 25-400mm extending to ~600 mm delivers truly amazing 4K video @ its weight and price point. A true game-changer that forced Sony to respond in kind a couple of years later.
4: Sigma 15mm F2.8 Fish eye Lens and the hemi-fish-eye plugin. Yes you CAN make group photographs of people in confined spaces without distorting near-edge faces hideously. Focuses really close and is sharp @ f2.8.
5: Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 stabilized - the only of its kind. Adequately sharp edge-to-edge @ F2.8. Excessive weight? I guess the "no pain no gain" rule applies.
6. (wish list) Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4 E PF ED VR - a diffraction lens "for the rest of us" @ 1/3 the price of the Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO
7. Having used my friends Canon 1dx and 200 mm F2 and 70-200mm F2.8 I would say this camera is truly exceptionally robust and excellent at low-light indoors sports events.
8. Samyang should be applauded for bringing a hole series of affordable and high-quality primes to the market. I have the 14mm F2.8. I now prefer the Tamron 15-30mm for versatility and optical quality.
9. Adobe should be applauded for LightRoom and Photoshop where the most interesting feature to me is the "miraculous" context-sensitive fill that allows me to easily get rid of power lines and add missing pieces of sky or ground etc. in panoramas.
10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world - I can't imagine living without either of them!
Eloise ·
"10. Sony should be applauded for its development efforts in sensor technology which is so far ahead of anything else that my (old?) D800 is still far from obsolete. One might say Sony is the GOOGLE of the camera world - I can't imagine living without either of them!"
Surely if you are applauding Sony for their sensor technology ... it would make them the ARM of the camera world...
C0der7 ·
No GH4 or Sony F5? It seems like this entire list is focused on photography, not products they carry. Just my opinion, Lens Rentals still rocks!
Zach Sutton Photography ·
The Movi suggests that it’s not entirely photography.
The reality is that it’s borderline impossible to select only ten products that we love that have came out in the last 10 years. Nikon didn’t get nearly the love it deserves on this list, and if it was a top 15 or even 12, the Sony FS5 would have likely made the list as well.
Zach Sutton Photography ·
The Movi suggests that it's not entirely photography.
The reality is that it's borderline impossible to select only ten products that we love that have came out in the last 10 years. Nikon didn't get nearly the love it deserves on this list, and if it was a top 15 or even 12, the Sony FS5 would have likely made the list as well.
Lee ·
I would’ve listed the D3 before the 5D2. That’s the camera that really made low-light / high-iso usable for more than b&w newsprint.
Lee ·
I would've listed the D3 before the 5D2. That's the camera that really made low-light / high-iso usable for more than b&w newsprint.
T N Args ·
I am glad that you are enjoying so many huge cameras and lenses. I guess the fact you can put them back on the shelf at work makes them ‘hugely enjoyable’. 🙂
T N Args ·
I am glad that you are enjoying so many huge cameras and lenses. I guess the fact you can put them back on the shelf at work makes them 'hugely enjoyable'. :)
Fiatlux ·
Perhaps not Canon-biased but certainly focusing on very recent products, apart from the 5D MkII. Maybe the exercise of choosing a single product per year would have been more challenging?
I would have elected the D700 as the DSLR that converted a lot of Nikon users to FF, and perhaps the 14-24 2.8 even if I never used it myself.
Fiatlux ·
Perhaps not Canon-biased but certainly focusing on very recent products, apart from the 5D MkII. Maybe the exercise of choosing a single product per year would have been more challenging?
I would have elected the D700 as the DSLR that converted a lot of Nikon users to FF, and perhaps the 14-24 2.8 even if I never used it myself.
Nikita ·
So Nikon has made no meaningful contribution over the last decade? Strange list.
Drumcrusher ·
no d700, d3, or d800? without the 14-24, the canon zoom would have never happened. what is your definition of groundbreaking? maybe this should be called, “Favorite equipment for nikon haters. haha
Drumcrusher ·
no d700, d3, or d800? without the 14-24, the canon zoom would have never happened. what is your definition of groundbreaking? maybe this should be called, "Favorite equipment for nikon haters. haha
Harold Mayo ·
Not to split hairs….but 1995 is 11 (eleven) years ago…so the 5Dc and other products launched in 1995 don’t count. :p
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
1995 is 21 years ago, not 11!
Harold Mayo ·
Oops my bad :p Gosh….where did those 10 years go? LOL
Harold Mayo ·
Oops my bad :p Gosh....where did those 10 years go? LOL
Harold Mayo ·
Not to split hairs....but 1995 is 11 (eleven) years ago...so the 5Dc and other products launched in 1995 don't count. :p
Mel Bourne ·
The Nikon D800, for the sake of Pete.
It smashed the 5DII and 5DIII for stills, which is what those cameras do best, better dynamic range (by a long shot) and the functionality – it was 2012’s big photography gear story.
Also, the Canon 11mm was beaten shortly after by the Voigtlander 10mm.
David Peterson ·
Agreed, D90 is also notable historically. Without that push from Nikon then Canon likely would’ve never put in video in the 5Dmk2! (just like they failed to do with the 50D…)
Diko Jelev ·
I agree. They had to put the Nikon D800 next to the Canon 5D2. It also changed the industry. Many many people bought it because of Nikon’s BOLD move to implement unthinkably hight MP count for a regular DSLR FF body.
Mel Bourne ·
The Nikon D800, for the sake of Pete.
It smashed the 5DII and 5DIII for stills, which is what those cameras do best, better dynamic range (by a long shot) and the functionality - it was 2012's big photography gear story.
The Nikon D90 for introducing video to DSLR's and kicking off what is now a considered a standard feature.
Also, the Canon 11mm was beaten shortly after by the Voigtlander 10mm.
David Peterson ·
Agreed, D90 is also notable historically. Without that push from Nikon then Canon likely would've never put in video in the 5Dmk2! (just like they failed to do with the 50D...)
Diko Jelev ·
I agree. They had to put the Nikon D800 next to the Canon 5D2. It also changed the industry. Many many people bought it because of Nikon's BOLD move to implement unthinkably hight MP count for a regular DSLR FF body.
Falk Lumo ·
Nice list.
But this is a current favorites list, not a past decade’s list.
The 5DmkII is the only gear on the list which isn’t recent.
Falk Lumo ·
Nice list.
But this is a current favorites list, not a past decade's list.
The 5DmkII is the only gear on the list which isn't recent.
Edna Bambrick ·
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Arthur Meursault ·
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Arthur Meursault ·
I am shocked that Zach didn't include PortraitPro in his list. It sure was included in his post processing! I gave Roger the same 'smokey eyes' treatment.
Wilson Laidlaw ·
I originally thought the Leica SL and 24-90 lens was far too big and heavy and though I intended to buy one, it would only see limited use. After 9 months with the SL, it is my M rangefinders which sit gathering dust. After three firmware updates, Leica have been very responsive in curing pretty much all the niggles and teething problems we have reported to them. The AF is much better now, especially with the 90-280 lens. My only beef is I don’t like the manual focus on the lenses. As the SL is a contrast detection AF system, you sometimes have to use MF when photographing low contrast subjects. The MF “fly by wire” focus control ring seems a bit vague and unresponsive to me.
Wilson Laidlaw ·
I originally thought the Leica SL and 24-90 lens was far too big and heavy and though I intended to buy one, it would only see limited use. After 9 months with the SL, it is my M rangefinders which sit gathering dust. After three firmware updates, Leica have been very responsive in curing pretty much all the niggles and teething problems we have reported to them. The AF is much better now, especially with the 90-280 lens. My only beef is I don't like the manual focus on the lenses. As the SL is a contrast detection AF system, you sometimes have to use MF when photographing low contrast subjects. The MF "fly by wire" focus control ring seems a bit vague and unresponsive to me.
Laurence J Segil ·
Nothing from Zeiss? Their ZF and ZM lens were in some cases, groundbreaking, but in nearly all cases, superb in quality, and in the case of the ZM lenses, even very economical compared to the existing lenses available from the elephant in the rangefinder’s room. The Otus line of lenses is, to my knowledge, recognized by most to be the finest lenses ever made for SLR use, provided one can actually lift them and afford them.
Laurence J Segil ·
Nothing from Zeiss? Their ZF and ZM lens were in some cases, groundbreaking, but in nearly all cases, superb in quality, and in the case of the ZM lenses, even very economical compared to the existing lenses available from the elephant in the rangefinder's room. The Otus line of lenses is, to my knowledge, recognized by most to be the finest lenses ever made for SLR use, provided one can actually lift them and afford them.
Ruy Penalva ·
Miss 1D X MK II
Jon ·
Roger, your comment about Hasselblad lenses – have you posted the reasons for your opinion about them somewhere? If not can you expand on what you concern about them is and what lens problems they have to solve?
Roger Cicala ·
Jon, remember this was an experience from several years ago, when we stopped carrying them. It may no longer be true. But the problems were the zooms broke often. I remember having more than half the zooms in repair at any given time. Optical adjustments were poor and service couldn’t correct them. And, for us at that time, repair turnaround was months and months. I think they have US repair now so that should certainly be better.
Roger
Jon ·
Thank you for taking the time to explain.
Jon ·
Roger, your comment about Hasselblad lenses - have you posted the reasons for your opinion about them somewhere? If not can you expand on what you concern about them is and what lens problems they have to solve?
Roger Cicala ·
Jon, remember this was an experience from several years ago, when we stopped carrying them. It may no longer be true. But the problems were the zooms broke often. I remember having more than half the zooms in repair at any given time. Optical adjustments were poor and service couldn't correct them. And, for us at that time, repair turnaround was months and months. I think they have US repair now so that should certainly be better.
Roger
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
the Pentax 645Z (and ~D, which, sensor-wise, is the much better model btw imo!) can accept MANY lenses from older 645 and 6×7 formats of Pentax itself as well as from other cameras! so, isn’t “lackluster” a little bit too much here?
surely Leica MF cameras are great, maybe even better than the Hassy and Pentax, but Leica SL? you call such a “disaster” a breakthrough or something like that in the last decade? sorry, do you do photography at all, or do you just play with photographic gear as ultra-advanced toys? (same applies to Pentax 645Z because of its sensor too! isn’t it the same sensor as the one in the Leica SL?)
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
some other models by Pentax (K-5IIs, K-3II, KS-2, K-70 and the FF K-1) as well as quite a number of Olympus models AND the Sigma cameras with their great Foveon sensor are also missing from this list … yes, none of the ones i just mentioned here are in par with most of those in this list perhaps, but they have been great cameras in their own category anyway … and some of them offer at least a few items none on this list do! (if we’re after ‘fancy electronic toys that take pictures and video too!’ then the ones i referred to here are no less better either!)
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
the Pentax 645Z (and ~D, which, sensor-wise, is the much better model btw imo!) can accept MANY lenses from older 645 and 6x7 formats of Pentax itself as well as from other cameras! so, isn't "lackluster" a little bit too much here?
surely Leica MF cameras are great, maybe even better than the Hassy and Pentax, but Leica SL? you call such a "disaster" a breakthrough or something like that in the last decade? sorry, do you do photography at all, or do you just play with photographic gear as ultra-advanced toys? (same applies to Pentax 645Z because of its sensor too! isn't it the same mediocre sensor as the one in the Leica SL?)
another "disaster" camera, mainly due to an overrated, over-pixeled sensor with super-mediocre results: Canon 5Ds/~R! pooh! glad i don't see that one here in a group of Canon-lovers! :D
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
some other models by Pentax (K-5IIs, K-3II, KS-2, K-70 and the FF K-1) as well as quite a number of Olympus models AND the Sigma cameras with their great Foveon sensor are also missing from this list ... yes, none of the ones i just mentioned here are in par with most of those in this list perhaps, but they have been great cameras in their own category anyway ... and some of them offer at least a few items none on this list do! (if we're after 'fancy electronic toys that take pictures and video too!' then the ones i referred to here are no less better either!)
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
just announced:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274705-REG/canon_eos_5d_mark_iv.html
Chef Shawk Parson III ·
just announced:
https://www.bhphotovideo.co...